Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in the Central United States is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 around noon, understanding these fluctuations can empower residents to protect themselves during outdoor activities. The region's BSk climate, characterized by hot summers and varied exposure risks, means that even brief sun exposure can lead to damaging effects if precautions aren't taken. As you explore the local landscape, staying informed about UV levels is key to ensuring your skin remains healthy and safe under the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, peaking sharply in the late morning to early afternoon hours. At 7:00 AM, the index starts off at a mild 2, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun ascends, it takes a significant leap to 6 at 9:00 AM, hitting a striking 9 by 10:00 AM. The real intensity ensues around midday, with the index reaching its zenith at 12 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, demonstrating the importance of sun protection during these critical hours. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels start to decline, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and tapering off to 5 by 4:00 PM. By the late evening, the index significantly diminishes, falling back to 1 by 6:00 PM and remaining low through 7:00 PM. This hourly trajectory serves as a clear reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with notable increases as we move from winter into summer. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, and while the risk starts low, it escalates quickly, peaking in the summer months. February sees a rise to a high UV Index of 7, and by March, it reaches 10, indicating a very high risk. The extreme category of UV Index 12 persists from May through August, marking these as the highest risk months for UV exposure, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As fall sets in, the UV Index decreases to 8 in October and 6 in November, with exposure categorizing back to very high and high, respectively. By December, the UV Index drops to 4, indicating a return to moderate exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to practice sun safety measures—including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak months of April to September when UV levels are most hazardous.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Central | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |